The heaviest Christian metal band this side of Zao has returned. Following a five year hiatus and a supporting tour with Demon Hunter, the Little Rock quartet has released their seventh studio album. Overall, it’s a well-balanced effort from one of the top three bands to ever grace the Solid State roster.
Due to misleading rumors being spread through God Seed’s MySpace page regarding the bankruptcy of Regain Records, we would like to clarify to all who have contacted us recently that Regain Records is not in bankruptcy.
Well my head exploded a little and I had to change my underwear, but it’s okay, cuz of this amazing tour! What’s more, it actually passes through Burlington and it’s only $25! SERIOUSLY YAY!
Have you ever wondered what Skid Row would sound like if the band were Finnish dudes, instead of New Jersey natives? I didn’t, until this Helsinki group released their fourth album, and it’s brimming with anthemic might!
TTEOTD has come a long way since 2005′s Bloodlust. After switching vocalists and releasing the superior Malice, three-fifths of the band quit. This left bassist Jake Ososkie and founding guitarist Justin Longshore to regroup (literally). The end result finds the deathcore quintet inching ever closer toward death metal. Producer Eric Rutan (Hate Eternal/Morbid Angel) likely initiated this change. Skepis is self-produced, and I think much was learned down in Mana Studios.
It’s only natural to expect something this majestic from one of Emperor’s pillars, but the fact that Ihsahn consistently delivers music of this caliber solidifies his deserved reputation as a leader in not just black metal, but the music world at large.
The first pick for Best of 2010!
The word that describes the Finnish sextet’s fourth album is “more”. There’s more memorable compositions, more attention to subtle details, and more successful sonic experiments. This is also their first time recording at Fascination Street with the famed Jens Bogren, who has worked on several superb albums, including the last couple from Daylight Dies, Katatonia’s latest, and perhaps most importantly, everything Opeth has released in the last five years.
If any band can still put out decent melodeath, it’s Hypocrisy. Many of their brethren have either fallen, been poppified, or just can no longer write good songs. However, that isn’t the case here. You won’t find too many classics, but every song will make you pump your fist and band your head. That’s really all you need from a metal album, is it not?
Lawless still has power in his vocals and speed in his fingers, and anyone interested in veteran glam rockers should give Babylon a chance.
Rob Zombie is among the elite to have transcended his previous band––in terms of popularity and eponymous-ness––sharing that spotlight with both Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper. They also have one thing in common with their mid-career output: it’s spotty at best.
